patch1 nounpatch2 verb
patchpatch1 /pætʃ/ ●●○ noun [countable] 
WORD ORIGINpatch1
Origin:
1300-1400 Perhaps from Old French pieche ‘piece’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Patches of grease covered the kitchen walls.
- a nicotine patch
- a pumpkin patch
- a white kitten with black patches
- Both knees of his jeans had patches on them.
- Detective McCready had taken over; he didn't want us on his patch.
- I noticed a patch of dirt in the middle of the rug.
- Morris is going through one of the roughest patches of his presidency.
- The car hit an icy patch on the road and went out of control.
- There's a damp patch under the window.
- There were some darker patches on the carpet.
- A smaller patch of lesser quality vines extends southwards on to the north-east-facing slopes of Mont Aimé.
- He tied his horse to a tree outside this bushy patch and left him grazing.
- He told me to be more aggressive in representing my patch.
- She touches the small colorful patches with her index finger, and laughs.
- The rising sun slowly turns the drab greys and dull browns of the mountains to patches of pale gold and dusty pinks.
- There are other people who have sun-tans that leave white patches on their arms.
- There are small patches with the emblems of sports cars sewn at odd, playful angles on the front.
- There was an ugly, scorched patch right in the middle of the skirt.
Longman Language Activatoran area belonging to a country or person
an area that officially belongs to a particular country, or an area that a person, group, or animal controls and will defend against others: · The island of Guam is a US territory.· Many birds will attack other birds that enter their territory.· a salesman's territoryneutral territory (=an area which no-one controls): · The negotiations will be held on neutral territory.
the area that a person or group controls and defends against anyone competing for it: · Ten years ago the city was paralyzed by gang battles over turf.
British informal the area that someone controls or is responsible for: · Detective McCready had taken over; he didn't want us on his patch.
an area that is part of a surface part of a surface that has a particular size or shape: · There were several damp areas on the living room ceiling.area of: · After an hour's work, I had only cleaned a small area of the carpet.
a small area that is different from the parts around it: · a white kitten with black patchespatch of: · I noticed a patch of dirt in the middle of the rug.damp/dirty/icy etc patch: · The car hit an icy patch on the road and went out of control.
a small area that has been changed, especially because it is damaged or dirty, and looks different: · Do you mind cleaning the grease spots behind the stove?· Oh no, I've got a spot on my new shirt!
a mark on something that spoils its appearance a spot or line on clothes, furniture, a wall, or floor etc, for example where it has been damaged, made dirty, or where someone has dropped liquid on it: · There are marks on the door where the cat has scratched it.make a mark: · Hot cups of tea can make marks on polished tables.dirty/greasy/sticky mark: · How did you get that dirty mark on your T-shirt?dirt/grease/pencil mark: · His shoes had left dirt marks across the carpet.
a large mark that is difficult to remove, made when a liquid such as coffee or wine falls onto something: · I can't get this stain out of the carpet.grass/coffee/wine/blood stain: · Salt is the best cure for a red wine stain.
a small round area on a surface, which is of a different colour from the rest of the surface and is made especially by drops of liquid: spot of: · Detectives found a few spots of blood on the carpet.ink/paint/oil spots: · The letter was covered in small ink spots, as though his hand had been shaking as he wrote it.
especially British an area where dirt, water, oil etc has made a mark on a floor, wall, or ceiling: greasy/dirty/damp patch: · There's a damp patch under the window.patch of dirt/damp/grease: · Patches of grease covered the kitchen walls.
a dirty mark made when ink or paint is accidentally rubbed on a surface: · You can't hand your homework in with those smudges all over it.smudge of: · Ella had a smudge of green paint on her cheek.
a period of time especially written a particular length of time with a beginning and an end: period of: · These accounts are drawn up for a period of 52 weeks.· After a brief period of independence, Belorussia came under Soviet rule.for a period: · You shouldn't sit in front of a computer screen for long periods without a break.· Anne had difficulty holding down a job for any period of time.period of time: · The work had to be completed within a limited period of time.long/short period: · The company expects a growth in profitability over a longer period.· Then, within a short period, his mother, father, and brother all died.a ten-day/three-year etc period: · The money can be paid back over a five-year period.· The researchers observed mothers and their new infants for a three-day period.over a period: · The restoration of the ceiling was completed over a period of two years.during a period: · During this period, Tanya was making very little money.· black immigration into Britain during the post-war period
a period of time - use this especially to talk about a period in the past, or when you are not saying whether the period was long or short: · Bill had lost his job, and it was a difficult time for him.· I really enjoyed my time at university.at one time (=at a period of time in the past, but not now): · At one time, Hakami was ranked 32nd in the world.· Martin had been at one time a student at Leiden University in the Netherlands.for the time being (=for a short period of time, starting now): · You can stay in the spare room for the time being, until you find a place.· Entrance fees to the exhibit have been reduced for the time being.during that/this time: · He played for Barcelona for four years, and during that time they won two major competitions.for a time: · He chatted to us for a time, then left.· For a time, the 1,600 seater hall was home to a Saturday night film show, before being converted to a night club.after a time: · After a time, I began to feel more relaxed.· All systems settle down after a time.
a length of time that is officially fixed for someone's period of responsibility or power, for someone's period in prison, or for a business contract: · Mr Toplak had just started his term as vice-president of the company.· The Socialists are hoping to secure another term in government.· The bank says that they can extend the term of our mortgage.first/second etc term: · General Herrera was elected to a third term of office as President.· He hopes to visit China during his second term in office.7-year/2-month etc term: · He recently completed a two-year term as chairman.term of imprisonment (=formal): · Political dissidents are sentenced to long terms of imprisonment.prison/jail term: · She had her jail term cut for good behaviour.term of/in office (=term for holding an official position): · He is halfway into his term of office.· The Democrats are hoping to deny him a third term in office.fixed term (=when the term of a business or employment contract is set to a particular length): · The managers were all hired for a fixed term.serve a term: · Malik is now serving a three-year term in prison.· Elected members of the House of Assembly serve a six-year term.
a period of several weeks or months, at the same time every year, during which a particular activity takes place: · The Bulls would consider re-signing him next season.the 2001/2001-02 etc season: · Smith should own the record outright by the third or fourth game of the 2001 season.breeding/hunting/fishing/baseball etc season: · When does the baseball season start?· Foxes become very noisy at the height of the mating season.· The latest challenge is to promote the LSO's winter concert season.
a period of time between other periods, especially one during which there is not much activity or no interruptions: · During their worst stretch of 1996, the Padres lost 19 of their 23 games.· He spent several brief stretches in jail for minor offences.· This is the last game in a four-day stretch here at the Forum.stretch of time: · Sometimes between battles, there were long stretches of time when nothing happened.
informal a period of time doing a particular job or course, often quite a short period: · After a stint in the army, Bill worked in sales.· Krem began his career with the Victoria Symphony, followed by stints with orchestras in Winnipeg and Quebec.stint of: · Dimascio was promoted after serving a stint of five years as a sergeant pilot.a five-year/six-day etc stint: · He has changed his schedule to a three-day stint, which starts Friday.short/brief stint: · Rick was fired in August after a brief stint with a Portland courier service.do/serve a stint: · She served a two-year stint as an aide to Congressman Jim McNulty.· We should thank Mary for the long stint she's done as party treasurer.
a period of a particular type of activity, weather etc, usually a short period: · After a brief spell in the army, I returned to teaching.spell of: · He's had a spell of bad luck recently.a cold/wet/dry etc spell: · We had another cold spell last week.
British a short period of trouble, difficulty, or unhappiness, experienced by someone who is usually happy, successful etc: go through a bad patch (=experience a period of trouble etc): · He went through a bad patch after his wife died, but now he seems to be back to normal.hit a bad patch (=start to experience a period of trouble etc): · The team aren't doing so well at the moment are they? They seem to have hit a bad patch.
worse more unpleasant, annoying, bad etc, or of a lower standard or quality than someone or something else that is also bad: · I really don't think the situation could be any worse.worse than: · Conditions in the prison were worse than anything I had seen before.· Stop it Gary, you're worse than the kids!even/far worse (=worse than something that is very bad): · Duncan's handwriting is even worse than his sister's.· a terrible script and even worse actinga lot worse/much worse: · The traffic is a lot worse after five o'clock.· The next morning, the weather was much worse, and the team stayed at base camp.make something worse: · I tried to fix the computer myself, but that just made it worse.
of a lower standard, quality, or level than something else that is good: · I like this town better than Harrisburg, but the schools aren't as good.not as good as: · This book is not as good as her last one.· The fishing out there isn't as good as it used to be.not nearly as good as/nowhere near as good as (=use to emphasize that the difference in quality is quite big): · Their latest album isn't nearly as good as their last one.· Cheap, plastic-wrapped cheese is nowhere near as good as the real thing.
formal of a lower quality than something else, or less good at doing something than someone else: · Consumers are tired of paying a high price for what is an increasingly inferior service.· California oil is a heavier and inferior grade of oil, compared with other crude oils. inferior to: · Old Mr Carter was convinced that women doctors were inferior to men.inferior in quality/status/worth etc: · White bread is generally inferior in nutritional value.of inferior quality/materials/status etc: · Their furniture is certainly cheaper, but it's of inferior quality.
especially spoken use this to emphasize that someone or something is not nearly as good as someone or something else: · How can you compare him to Ivan Lendl? He's not in the same league at all.· Vinyl is strong and looks good but it doesn't compare with real leather.not be in the same league as: · It's quite a good movie but not in the same league as 'High Noon' or 'The Magnificent Seven'
British informal use this to emphasize that something is not nearly as good as something else, especially something that came before it: · Shop-bought pasta sauces aren't a patch on home-made.· This year's charity marathon wasn't a patch on last year's.
WORD SETSanorak, nounarm, nounascot, nounBabygro, nounbalaclava, nounbandanna, nounbaseball cap, nounbasque, nounbathing cap, nounbathing costume, nounbathing suit, nounbathing trunks, nounbathrobe, nounbath towel, nounbeachwear, nounbeading, nounbeanie, nounbearskin, nounbell-bottoms, nounbelt, nounbelted, adjectiveberet, nounbespoke, adjectivebib, nounbikini, nounblack-tie, adjectiveblazer, nounblouse, nounblue jeans, nounboa, nounbobble, nounbobble hat, nounbobby socks, nounbodice, nounbody, nounbody stocking, nounbody suit, nounboiler suit, nounbolero, nounbolo tie, nounbomber jacket, nounbonnet, nounboob tube, nounboot, nounbootee, nounbootlace, nounbottom, nounboxer shorts, nounbra, nounbraid, nounbrassiere, nounbreeches, nounbritches, nounbrogue, nounBurberry, business suit, nounbustle, nouncaftan, nouncagoule, nouncamiknickers, nouncamisole, nouncap, nouncape, nouncardigan, nouncare label, nouncarpet slipper, nouncassock, nouncast-offs, nouncasual, adjectivecat suit, nounchemise, nounchinos, nounchinstrap, nouncloak, nouncloche, nounclog, nouncloth cap, nouncoat, nouncoattails, nouncocked hat, nouncony, nouncoonskin, adjectivecope, nouncorset, nouncourt shoe, nouncouture, nouncowboy hat, nouncowl, nouncowl neck, nouncrew neck, nouncrinoline, nouncuff, nounculottes, nouncummerbund, nouncut, noundeck shoe, noundeerstalker, noundelicates, nounderby, noundicky, noundinner jacket, noundog collar, noundonkey jacket, noundouble-breasted, adjectivedoublet, noundrainpipe trousers, noundrawstring, noundress, noundressing gown, noundress shirt, noundress uniform, noundrip-dry, adjectivedry-clean, verbdry cleaner's, nounduffel coat, noundungarees, nounduster, nounearmuffs, nounelbow, nounensemble, nounespadrille, nounevening dress, nounfalsies, nounfashion, nounfashion show, nounfastener, nounfeather boa, nounfeathered, adjectivefez, nounfishnet stockings, nounfitting, nounfitting room, nounflannel, nounflannelette, nounflat, adjectiveflat cap, nounfleece, nounflip-flops, nounflipper, nounfloor-length, adjectiveflounce, nounflounced, adjectivefly, nounfootwear, nounformal, nounfox, nounfray, verbfrilly, adjectivefrock, nounfrock coat, nounfull, adjectivefull dress, nounfur, nounfuzz, noungabardine, noungaiter, noungaloshes, noungarment, noungarter, noungarter belt, noungather, verbgather, noungathering, noungauntlet, noungear, noungetup, noungirdle, nounglove, noungloved, adjectivegown, noungreatcoat, nounG-string, noungumboot, noungusset, noungym shoe, noungymslip, nounhaberdasher, nounhaberdashery, nounhalter, nounhand-me-down, nounhanger, nounhankie, nounhard-wearing, adjectivehat, nounhatpin, nounhatter, nounheadband, nounheaddress, nounheadscarf, nounhem, nounhem, verbhemline, nounhip pocket, nounhobnailed, adjectivehomburg, nounhooded, adjectivehook and eye, nounhose, nounhosiery, nounhot pants, nounhousecoat, nouninformal, adjectiveinsole, nouninstep, nouniron, nouniron, verbironing, nounjackboot, nounjacket, nounjammies, nounjeans, nounjerkin, nounjersey, nounJockey shorts, nounjockstrap, nounjodhpurs, nounjogging suit, nounjumper, nounjumpsuit, nounkaftan, nounkerchief, nounkhakis, nounkilt, nounkimono, nounknee breeches, nounknickerbockers, nounknickers, nounlace, nounlace-up, nounlapel, nounleg, nounleggings, nounleotard, nounlinen, nounloafer, nounloincloth, nounlong, adjectivelong johns, nounlounge suit, nounlow, adjectivelow-cut, adjectiveLycra, nounmac, nounmackintosh, nounmantle, nounmasquerade, nounmatinée jacket, nounmenswear, nounmilliner, nounmillinery, nounmini, nounminiskirt, nounmink, nounmitt, nounmitten, nounmob cap, nounmoccasin, nounmoleskin, nounmonogram, nounmoon boot, nounmorning coat, nounmorning dress, nounmorning suit, nounmourning, nounmuff, nounmuffler, nounmukluks, nounmule, nounmuu-muu, nounname-tape, nounnational costume, nounnational dress, nounneck, nounneckerchief, nounnecktie, nounnegligee, nounnightcap, nounnightclothes, nounnightdress, nounnightgown, nounnightie, nounnightshirt, nounnightwear, nounnon-iron, adjectiveoff-the-peg, adjectiveoilskin, nounone-piece, adjectiveopen, adjectiveopen-necked, adjectiveouterwear, nounoutfitter, nounoutsize, adjectiveoverall, nounovercoat, nounoverdressed, adjectiveovershoe, nounoxford, nounpadded, adjectivepanama hat, nounpanel, nounpantaloons, nounpanties, nounpants, nounpantyhose, nounparka, nounpatch, nounpatch, verbpatent leather, nounpeak, nounpencil skirt, nounpetticoat, nounpillbox, nounpinafore, nounpinny, nounpith helmet, nounpj's, nounplimsoll, nounplus fours, nounpolo neck, nounpolo shirt, nounponcho, nounpre-shrunk, adjectivepull-on, adjectivepullover, nounputtee, nounpyjamas, nounraglan, adjectiveraincoat, nounrainproof, adjectiveready-to-wear, adjectiveregalia, nounrevealing, adjectiverobe, nounrobed, adjectiverubber boot, nounruff, nounruffle, nounrun, verbrun, nounsable, nounsaddle shoe, nounsailor suit, nounsandal, nounsari, nounsarong, nounsartorial, adjectivesash, nounsatchel, nounscarf, nounschool tie, nounscoop neck, nounseamed, adjectiveseamless, adjectiveseparates, nounshawl, nounshell suit, nounshirt, nounshirtfront, nounshirt tail, nounshoe, nounshoehorn, nounshoelace, nounshoemaker, nounshoestring, nounshoulder, nounshoulder strap, nounshowerproof, adjectivesinglet, nounskin-tight, adjectiveskirt, nounskull cap, nounslicker, nounslingback, nounslip, nounslip-ons, nounslipper, nounsmock, nounsmoking jacket, nounsmuggling, nounsnap, nounsnappy, adjectivesneaker, nounsnowshoe, nounsnug, adjectivesock, nounsole, nounsole, verbsombrero, nounsou'wester, nounsox, nounsporran, nounsport coat, nounsport jacket, nounsports coat, nounsport shirt, nounsports jacket, nounsports shirt, nounsporty, adjectivestay, nounStetson, nounstiletto, nounstocking, nounstole, nounstone-washed, adjectivestraitjacket, nounstrip, nounstud, nounsuit, nounsundress, nounsun hat, nounsurplice, nounsuspender belt, nounsweatband, nounsweater, nounsweatpants, nounsweatshirt, nounsweat suit, nounswimming costume, nounswimming trunks, nounswimsuit, nounswimwear, nountailcoat, nountank top, nountee shirt, nounten-gallon hat, nounTerylene, nounthermal, adjectivethong, nounthree-piece suit, nountights, nountoga, nountop, nountopcoat, nountopee, nountop hat, nountopi, nountopper, nountracksuit, nountrain, nountrench coat, nountrilby, nountrousers, nountrouser suit, nounT-shirt, nountube top, nountuck, verbtuck, nountunic, nounturban, nounturtleneck, nountutu, nountuxedo, nountweed, nountwinset, nountwo-piece, adjectiveunderclothes, noununderdressed, adjectiveundergarment, noununderpants, nounundershirt, noununderwear, nounundies, noununiform, noununiformed, adjectiveunion suit, nounupper, nounveil, nounvelour, nounvelvet, nounvisor, nounvoluminous, adjectivewaist, nounwaistband, nounwaistcoat, nounwaistline, nounwardrobe, nounwashing, nounwaterproof, nounwear, nounwedding dress, nounwellie, nounwellington, nounwelly, nounwet-look, adjectivewet suit, nounwimple, nounwind breaker, nounwing collar, nounwingtip, nounwool, nounwoollen, adjectivewoollens, nounwoolly, adjectivewoolly, nounworsted, nounwrap, nounwrap-around, adjectivewrinkle, nounwristband, nounY-fronts, nounyoke, nounzoot suit, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYADJECTIVES/NOUN + patch
He combed his hair and tried to hide his bald patch (=part of someone’s head where there is no hair). My father hit a bad patch, and had to sell the house.
· Some of the hills still had small patches of snow.
· The bird has a large black patch on each side of its neck.
· There were damp patches on the ceilings.
· He stroked the bald patch on the back of his head .
· She noticed two dark patches on the sleeve of his shirt.
· Clear patches of brilliant blue sky appeared briefly through the white storm clouds.
· Poppies and daisies provided bright patches of colour along the edge of the field.
(=on a road)· Some icy patches are likely on roads as temperatures drop tonight.
· There'll be a widespread frost with mist and one or two fog patches
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES He combed his hair and tried to hide his bald patch (=part of someone’s head where there is no hair). (=fog that forms in some places but not in others)· Patches of fog are expected later today.
My father hit a bad patch, and had to sell the house. British English (=end it)· The brothers eventually patched up their quarrel.
(=a difficult time that does not last long)· He was good at encouraging his team when it hit a rough patch.
British English The business hit a sticky patch and lost £4.8 million.
The business hit a sticky patch and lost £4.8 million.· Anna was digging in the vegetable garden.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE· Their worst patch was in 1989 and 1990, before recession really bit.· Talk about hitting a bad patch.· Even when they knew he was going through a bad patch they would continue to deliver dangerous back-passes to him.· Having hit a bad patch, financially, I decided I must try for some paid work with my knitting machine.· Every team goes through a bad patch.· They forget that we have gone through bad patches before.· She had gone through rather a bad patch since she had come to live in the banqueting hall.· It is currently going through a bad patch of such uncertainty.
· My hair falls out at the slightest touch, sometimes leaving little bald patches.· But this can just mean patchy regrowth, with bald patches, not the whole leg of hair disappearing.· Same-shaped bald patch, same fringe of white hair.· If you crick your neck you might spot the odd bald patch, too!· I noticed a small bald patch on the crown of his head.· It was thin and ragged, and folded forward to hide a growing bald patch.· More so than the bald patch at the back of his head.
· Generally darker than Collared Dove, with chestnut upperparts, and black and white patch on either side of neck.· Overhead, a black patch of pine needles caught in the troughs of the milky green roof.· A white background to this black patch is set in otherwise clear finnage.· Those black patches on the surface, they'd be dead leaves.· The black patch in the top left corner of the image area is a small reservoir.· The scattering of windows had become black patches behind iron bars.
· She had a bright red patch on each cheek.· The bark had been stripped away leaving a bright damp patch.· A single pale, bright patch, from which two black skeletons leered down at him.
· He made the most of the clear patches of brilliant blue sky fleetingly appearing through the white storm clouds.
· His parents had detected a smell in the room over the past few weeks and had noticed a damp patch.· The bark had been stripped away leaving a bright damp patch.· You can look for damp patches though, particularly on outside walls.· Look at the gutters and downpipes for damp patches, and look out for water marks and white salts.
· He was thin, and there appeared to be dark patches growing in through the grey of his beard.· Grey plover: ash grey with feathers white-tipped, the diagnostic dark patch of feathers beneath its wings.· Duck has dark patch on cheek, bill all grey.· At first it looked like a dark patch of space.· It is physiologically unsettling to gaze out from a dark patch into a brighter one.· In the middle of the screen was the same dark patch.· As she dropped her hand, a dark red patch began to emerge against the tan of his skin.
· Ruefully, she recalled her pleasure at the way the book, after a difficult patch, had begun to develop.· St Matthew's School has gone through a difficult patch in the last few years.
· She seemed to take a fancy to a green patch further into the field and began to amble slowly towards it.· The basic colouration is greyish-blue to green, with a pearly iridescence and blue to green iridescent patches on the scales.· New, well-constructed houses are springing up all over West Belfast on every available piece of waste ground or green patch.· However, if it is only green in small patches, these should be peeled or cut away during preparation.· There are remains of old buildings on a green patch on the shore below.
· Yellow on crown: Three-toed male. Large white patch on wing.· The first is cocoa brown with large irregular white patches.· Within days of the first autumn frosts a large brown patch of vines can be seen growing out from this area.· Picture your garden bed of cucumbers, a very large patch of them, a bumper crop.· There were large patches of material missing from the tape's coating.· The Blue Fog features large patches of rust, an oil leak, a loose handle and a temperamental pull cord.· I opened a bedroom door, and could smell damp; there was a large patch on the wall.· The large patches of green mold on its dark gray walls look like islands on a dry, concrete sea.
· We sat down on the little grass patch where the strolling players set up their tent.· Extracted from a tough little patch of turf with no small effort.· Leave me and the children in our little patch of civilization.· As the snow accumulates from that little boreal patch, growing inexorably year after year, gargantuan ice sheets begin to form.· The hills rolled and folded into each other, hiding little patches of dead ground.
· Duck and juvenile have a pale patch on either side of eye on otherwise dark face.· Gradually the pale patches of fresh plaster spread across the blackened walls.· A single pale, bright patch, from which two black skeletons leered down at him.
· Talk of his absence coinciding with our recent purple patch can't have helped.· Ian and a friend bagged 90 cod in just two hours in one purple patch.· Were they a coincidence or are you going through a purple patch at the moment?· It is neither a purple patch nor is it coincidence.· There are very few purple patches whereas the outdoor game - tactically - can be slow.· A 15-minute purple patch in which they scored 19 points a 22-14 win Durham City.
· They all have rough red patches like coins on their cheeks, small, tough-skinned hands, and feet encrusted with mud.· I've now noticed red patches starting to appear, a sign of deteriorating water quality, I know.· She had a bright red patch on each cheek.· Male usually with red patch on head.· As she dropped her hand, a dark red patch began to emerge against the tan of his skin.
· The film has its rough patches: particularly the implausible speed with which Jeanne catches on to something being amiss with Mika.· She had been a major influence in my life, and helped me through the rough patches.· The Royal Family is certainly going through a rough patch.· They all have rough red patches like coins on their cheeks, small, tough-skinned hands, and feet encrusted with mud.· It fills in rough patches on the cuticle and give a light-reflecting finish.· When the company I work for went through a rough patch, there were no pay rises for two years.· My boyfriend and I were going through a very rough patch at the time.
· There, dried in, the small patch of blood.· She touches the small colorful patches with her index finger, and laughs.· A smaller patch of lesser quality vines extends southwards on to the north-east-facing slopes of Mont Aimé.· Accordingly, what small patches of old growth we have now remaining are all that we will ever have.· Often but not always there is a small white face patch behind the bill.· It sees a small round patch but also a surrounding ring.· The metropolis also houses a host of smaller patches of urban wasteland from a few hundred square metres to several hectares.· They had a small patch of land on which to grow food.
· Evode has gone through a sticky patch.· During a sticky patch in her relationship with Paul she bedded a 19-year-old holidaymaker in Ibiza.
· Did you spot that tiny patch of freckles on her left cheek?· Many peasants owned their tiny patches of soil.· It sees a tiny patch of the visual field measuring a few degrees of visual angle across.· You see this tiny patch where the material is paler.· It was an end-of-terrace with rounded bays overlooking the road and a tiny patch of grass at the front.· Binoculars will show quite a number of globulars, though in most cases only as tiny, blurred patches.· A typical example is Chteau de Valandraud, made from grapes grown on a tiny patch of vineyard in St-Emilion.
· Then his startled gaze met the glowing eyes above the white patch of the handkerchief the man was holding at his mouth.· The first is cocoa brown with large irregular white patches.· There are other people who have sun-tans that leave white patches on their arms.· Some of the alders held overwintering white patches of woolly aphids on their gray stems.· Generally darker than Collared Dove, with chestnut upperparts, and black and white patch on either side of neck.· It was large and black with a round white patch on its chest.· On each plain scarlet wing shell is a rectangular white cloth patch edged on each side with narrow white lace.· Adult tawny brown, sometimes with pale head; immature distinguished by white base of tail and white patch on spread wing.
NOUN· There was no limp, no eye patch, no tricks.· He waited, hoping she would go back to the kitchen so he could work on the eye patch.· I don't think the other children bully her too much or make fun of her because of her eye patch.
· Bénéteau went to town in their usual impressive way; it is, after all, their home patch.
VERB· Having hit a bad patch, financially, I decided I must try for some paid work with my knitting machine.· Talk about hitting a bad patch.· You could then skip the files on the troublesome disk until you hit a good patch.· And that was when she hit a wet patch on the tarmac and felt the car go out of control.· The front wheels began to slip, and then the rear wheels hit the ice patch and they too began to spin.· Provided I could hit the patches of sand quickly enough and keep the momentum, the wheel would skate across.· The market for recycled material has recently hit a bad patch with falling prices.· Sometimes I am a real power pack of efficiency; then I hit a bad patch.
· He lost an eye at the Battle of the Jaws, and wears an iron patch to cover the wound.· But not one of them wore the patch of the Tropic Lightning Division.· Patients who wore them were almost twice as likely to break the habit as those who wore a dummy patch.· We had a beatnik poet who wore salami patches on his tweed sport coat.· More than 1,600 smokers were asked to wear an arm patch for 3 months.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► somebody’s patch► not be a patch on somebody/somethingPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1part of an area a small area of something that is different from the area around itpatch of- Even when they knew he was going through a bad patch they would continue to deliver dangerous back-passes to him.
- Every team goes through a bad patch.
- Evode has gone through a sticky patch.
- Having hit a bad patch, financially, I decided I must try for some paid work with my knitting machine.
- Ruefully, she recalled her pleasure at the way the book, after a difficult patch, had begun to develop.
- Sometimes I am a real power pack of efficiency; then I hit a bad patch.
- Talk about hitting a bad patch.
- The Royal Family is certainly going through a rough patch.
- A 15-minute purple patch in which they scored 19 points a 22-14 win Durham City.
- Ian and a friend bagged 90 cod in just two hours in one purple patch.
- It is neither a purple patch nor is it coincidence.
- Talk of his absence coinciding with our recent purple patch can't have helped.
- There are very few purple patches whereas the outdoor game - tactically - can be slow.
- Were they a coincidence or are you going through a purple patch at the moment?
We finally found a patch of grass to sit down on. Belinda watched a patch of sunlight move slowly across the wall. Look out for icy patches on the road. a cat with a white patch on its chest He combs his hair over his bald patch.2over a hole a small piece of material that is sewn on something to cover a hole in it: a jacket with leather patches at the elbows3for growing something a small area of ground for growing fruit or vegetables: a strawberry patch4computer a small computer program that is added to software to solve problems5eye a piece of material that you wear over your eye to protect it when it has been hurt: He had a black patch over one eye.6decoration American English a small piece of cloth with words or pictures on it that you can sew onto clothes SYN badge British English7a bad/difficult/sticky/rough patch informal a period of time when you are having a lot of difficulty: Gemma’s going through a bad patch right now.8somebody’s patch British English informal an area that someone knows very well because they work or live there SYN turf: Policemen know what’s going on in their home patch.9not be a patch on somebody/something British English informal to be much less attractive, good etc than something or someone else: The second film isn’t a patch on the first.COLLOCATIONSADJECTIVES/NOUN + patcha small/large etc patch· Some of the hills still had small patches of snow.a white/black/red etc patch· The bird has a large black patch on each side of its neck.a damp/wet patch· There were damp patches on the ceilings.a bald patch· He stroked the bald patch on the back of his head .a dark patch· She noticed two dark patches on the sleeve of his shirt.a clear patch· Clear patches of brilliant blue sky appeared briefly through the white storm clouds.a bright patch· Poppies and daisies provided bright patches of colour along the edge of the field.icy patches (=on a road)· Some icy patches are likely on roads as temperatures drop tonight.fog patches· There'll be a widespread frost with mist and one or two fog patchespatch1 nounpatch2 verb
patchpatch2 (also patch up) verb [transitive + with] VERB TABLE
patch
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | patch |
| he, she, it | patches | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | patched |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have patched |
| he, she, it | has patched | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had patched |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will patch |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have patched |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am patching |
| he, she, it | is patching | |
| you, we, they | are patching | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was patching |
| you, we, they | were patching | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been patching |
| he, she, it | has been patching | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been patching |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be patching |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been patching |
EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- And the couple are now taking an early-break break from their civic duties to patch up their differences.
- He patched through it somehow, though.
- He had been wounded four times-and patched up, and sent back to war.
- Rip one seam and the coat will patch itself on the spot.
- Their planking was patched with corrugated iron, their roofs shingled with flattened tin cans.
- They built timber groynes and constructed chalk banks and patched up breaches as they occurred.
- Trash collection has improved, he said, leaf pickup has resumed and more than 35, 000 potholes have been patched.
Longman Language Activatorto stop arguing
also make it up British especially spoken if two people who know each other well make up or make it up , they stop arguing and start being friendly to each other again: · I'm glad to see you two have made up.make up with: · Have you made it up with your sister yet?
if two people or organizations patch up or settle their differences , they stop arguing and discuss things in a sensible way until they come to an agreement: · Their final attempt to settle their differences ended in disappointment and separation.patch up your differences/settle your differences with: · Gary's first priority on his return home was to patch up his differences with his sister.
to agree to stop arguing and forgive each other, especially a long time after you first had the argument: · It's about time they buried the hatchet after all these years.· Since those two buried the hatchet, life in the office has been much quieter.
to talk calmly and seriously with someone about what you have been arguing about, in order to end the disagreement and feel better: · I think it's about time you called her to clear the air.· In an attempt to clear the air, Mills has planned a meeting with employees to discuss the issue.
behaving in a way that shows that you want to end an argument with someone: · The tone of my letter had been friendly and conciliatory, so I was disappointed by the cold reply I received.conciliatory gesture/message/tone etc: · American intelligence flights over Cuba had been stopped as a conciliatory gesture.
when two people, countries etc agree to stop arguing or fighting after a long period of disagreement, and have a friendly relationship again: · After years of fighting, there was now a spirit of national reconciliation in South Africa.reconciliation with: · Giles is not interested in a reconciliation with his father.reconciliation between: · A large group of demonstrators stayed up all night praying for reconciliation between the two countries.
to repair something that is broken or damaged if you repair something that is broken or not working properly, you work on it so that it is in good condition again: · Builders spent several weeks repairing the roof.· The plane was too badly damaged to be repaired.get/have something repaired (=pay someone else to repair it): · How much will it cost to have the TV repaired?
to repair a machine or piece of equipment that is broken or not working properly: · I'll need to fix the boat before we can go out in it.get/have something fixed (=pay someone else to fix it): · I must get my camera fixed before we go to France.
to repair something that is broken or not working, or something that has a hole in it. In American English mend is usually used about clothing: · The children are taught to mend their own clothes.· I called a service engineer in to mend the lift.
to repair something that has a hole in quickly and not very thoroughly so that it is good enough to be used again for a short period of time: patch up something: · We managed to patch up the roof enough to stop it leaking.patch something up: · The boat's got a hole in the side, but I'm just going to try and patch it up for now.
to thoroughly examine a machine, vehicle, or piece of equipment and repair it if necessary: · The engine has been overhauled and runs much more smoothly now.completely overhaul: · All the electrical wiring in the house was being completely overhauled because of the risk of fire.
to examine a vehicle or machine, especially at fixed regular times, and repair it if necessary: · All our machinery is serviced regularly.· When was the plane last serviced?have something serviced (=pay someone else to service it): · You should have your car serviced every six months.
WORD SETSanorak, nounarm, nounascot, nounBabygro, nounbalaclava, nounbandanna, nounbaseball cap, nounbasque, nounbathing cap, nounbathing costume, nounbathing suit, nounbathing trunks, nounbathrobe, nounbath towel, nounbeachwear, nounbeading, nounbeanie, nounbearskin, nounbell-bottoms, nounbelt, nounbelted, adjectiveberet, nounbespoke, adjectivebib, nounbikini, nounblack-tie, adjectiveblazer, nounblouse, nounblue jeans, nounboa, nounbobble, nounbobble hat, nounbobby socks, nounbodice, nounbody, nounbody stocking, nounbody suit, nounboiler suit, nounbolero, nounbolo tie, nounbomber jacket, nounbonnet, nounboob tube, nounboot, nounbootee, nounbootlace, nounbottom, nounboxer shorts, nounbra, nounbraid, nounbrassiere, nounbreeches, nounbritches, nounbrogue, nounBurberry, business suit, nounbustle, nouncaftan, nouncagoule, nouncamiknickers, nouncamisole, nouncap, nouncape, nouncardigan, nouncare label, nouncarpet slipper, nouncassock, nouncast-offs, nouncasual, adjectivecat suit, nounchemise, nounchinos, nounchinstrap, nouncloak, nouncloche, nounclog, nouncloth cap, nouncoat, nouncoattails, nouncocked hat, nouncony, nouncoonskin, adjectivecope, nouncorset, nouncourt shoe, nouncouture, nouncowboy hat, nouncowl, nouncowl neck, nouncrew neck, nouncrinoline, nouncuff, nounculottes, nouncummerbund, nouncut, noundeck shoe, noundeerstalker, noundelicates, nounderby, noundicky, noundinner jacket, noundog collar, noundonkey jacket, noundouble-breasted, adjectivedoublet, noundrainpipe trousers, noundrawstring, noundress, noundressing gown, noundress shirt, noundress uniform, noundrip-dry, adjectivedry-clean, verbdry cleaner's, nounduffel coat, noundungarees, nounduster, nounearmuffs, nounelbow, nounensemble, nounespadrille, nounevening dress, nounfalsies, nounfashion, nounfashion show, nounfastener, nounfeather boa, nounfeathered, adjectivefez, nounfishnet stockings, nounfitting, nounfitting room, nounflannel, nounflannelette, nounflat, adjectiveflat cap, nounfleece, nounflip-flops, nounflipper, nounfloor-length, adjectiveflounce, nounflounced, adjectivefly, nounfootwear, nounformal, nounfox, nounfray, verbfrilly, adjectivefrock, nounfrock coat, nounfull, adjectivefull dress, nounfur, nounfuzz, noungabardine, noungaiter, noungaloshes, noungarment, noungarter, noungarter belt, noungather, verbgather, noungathering, noungauntlet, noungear, noungetup, noungirdle, nounglove, noungloved, adjectivegown, noungreatcoat, nounG-string, noungumboot, noungusset, noungym shoe, noungymslip, nounhaberdasher, nounhaberdashery, nounhalter, nounhand-me-down, nounhanger, nounhankie, nounhard-wearing, adjectivehat, nounhatpin, nounhatter, nounheadband, nounheaddress, nounheadscarf, nounhem, nounhem, verbhemline, nounhip pocket, nounhobnailed, adjectivehomburg, nounhooded, adjectivehook and eye, nounhose, nounhosiery, nounhot pants, nounhousecoat, nouninformal, adjectiveinsole, nouninstep, nouniron, nouniron, verbironing, nounjackboot, nounjacket, nounjammies, nounjeans, nounjerkin, nounjersey, nounJockey shorts, nounjockstrap, nounjodhpurs, nounjogging suit, nounjumper, nounjumpsuit, nounkaftan, nounkerchief, nounkhakis, nounkilt, nounkimono, nounknee breeches, nounknickerbockers, nounknickers, nounlace, nounlace-up, nounlapel, nounleg, nounleggings, nounleotard, nounlinen, nounloafer, nounloincloth, nounlong, adjectivelong johns, nounlounge suit, nounlow, adjectivelow-cut, adjectiveLycra, nounmac, nounmackintosh, nounmantle, nounmasquerade, nounmatinée jacket, nounmenswear, nounmilliner, nounmillinery, nounmini, nounminiskirt, nounmink, nounmitt, nounmitten, nounmob cap, nounmoccasin, nounmoleskin, nounmonogram, nounmoon boot, nounmorning coat, nounmorning dress, nounmorning suit, nounmourning, nounmuff, nounmuffler, nounmukluks, nounmule, nounmuu-muu, nounname-tape, nounnational costume, nounnational dress, nounneck, nounneckerchief, nounnecktie, nounnegligee, nounnightcap, nounnightclothes, nounnightdress, nounnightgown, nounnightie, nounnightshirt, nounnightwear, nounnon-iron, adjectiveoff-the-peg, adjectiveoilskin, nounone-piece, adjectiveopen, adjectiveopen-necked, adjectiveouterwear, nounoutfitter, nounoutsize, adjectiveoverall, nounovercoat, nounoverdressed, adjectiveovershoe, nounoxford, nounpadded, adjectivepanama hat, nounpanel, nounpantaloons, nounpanties, nounpants, nounpantyhose, nounparka, nounpatch, nounpatch, verbpatent leather, nounpeak, nounpencil skirt, nounpetticoat, nounpillbox, nounpinafore, nounpinny, nounpith helmet, nounpj's, nounplimsoll, nounplus fours, nounpolo neck, nounpolo shirt, nounponcho, nounpre-shrunk, adjectivepull-on, adjectivepullover, nounputtee, nounpyjamas, nounraglan, adjectiveraincoat, nounrainproof, adjectiveready-to-wear, adjectiveregalia, nounrevealing, adjectiverobe, nounrobed, adjectiverubber boot, nounruff, nounruffle, nounrun, verbrun, nounsable, nounsaddle shoe, nounsailor suit, nounsandal, nounsari, nounsarong, nounsartorial, adjectivesash, nounsatchel, nounscarf, nounschool tie, nounscoop neck, nounseamed, adjectiveseamless, adjectiveseparates, nounshawl, nounshell suit, nounshirt, nounshirtfront, nounshirt tail, nounshoe, nounshoehorn, nounshoelace, nounshoemaker, nounshoestring, nounshoulder, nounshoulder strap, nounshowerproof, adjectivesinglet, nounskin-tight, adjectiveskirt, nounskull cap, nounslicker, nounslingback, nounslip, nounslip-ons, nounslipper, nounsmock, nounsmoking jacket, nounsmuggling, nounsnap, nounsnappy, adjectivesneaker, nounsnowshoe, nounsnug, adjectivesock, nounsole, nounsole, verbsombrero, nounsou'wester, nounsox, nounsporran, nounsport coat, nounsport jacket, nounsports coat, nounsport shirt, nounsports jacket, nounsports shirt, nounsporty, adjectivestay, nounStetson, nounstiletto, nounstocking, nounstole, nounstone-washed, adjectivestraitjacket, nounstrip, nounstud, nounsuit, nounsundress, nounsun hat, nounsurplice, nounsuspender belt, nounsweatband, nounsweater, nounsweatpants, nounsweatshirt, nounsweat suit, nounswimming costume, nounswimming trunks, nounswimsuit, nounswimwear, nountailcoat, nountank top, nountee shirt, nounten-gallon hat, nounTerylene, nounthermal, adjectivethong, nounthree-piece suit, nountights, nountoga, nountop, nountopcoat, nountopee, nountop hat, nountopi, nountopper, nountracksuit, nountrain, nountrench coat, nountrilby, nountrousers, nountrouser suit, nounT-shirt, nountube top, nountuck, verbtuck, nountunic, nounturban, nounturtleneck, nountutu, nountuxedo, nountweed, nountwinset, nountwo-piece, adjectiveunderclothes, noununderdressed, adjectiveundergarment, noununderpants, nounundershirt, noununderwear, nounundies, noununiform, noununiformed, adjectiveunion suit, nounupper, nounveil, nounvelour, nounvelvet, nounvisor, nounvoluminous, adjectivewaist, nounwaistband, nounwaistcoat, nounwaistline, nounwardrobe, nounwashing, nounwaterproof, nounwear, nounwedding dress, nounwellie, nounwellington, nounwelly, nounwet-look, adjectivewet suit, nounwimple, nounwind breaker, nounwing collar, nounwingtip, nounwool, nounwoollen, adjectivewoollens, nounwoolly, adjectivewoolly, nounworsted, nounwrap, nounwrap-around, adjectivewrinkle, nounwristband, nounY-fronts, nounyoke, nounzoot suit, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Try to patch up your differences before he leaves. He went back to patch things up with his wife.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES He combed his hair and tried to hide his bald patch (=part of someone’s head where there is no hair). My father hit a bad patch, and had to sell the house.
Try to patch up your differences before he leaves. He went back to patch things up with his wife. He combed his hair and tried to hide his bald patch (=part of someone’s head where there is no hair). (=fog that forms in some places but not in others)· Patches of fog are expected later today.
My father hit a bad patch, and had to sell the house. British English (=end it)· The brothers eventually patched up their quarrel.
(=a difficult time that does not last long)· He was good at encouraging his team when it hit a rough patch.
British English The business hit a sticky patch and lost £4.8 million.
The business hit a sticky patch and lost £4.8 million.· Anna was digging in the vegetable garden.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN· But the pair, openly hostile by the end of last year, will patch up their mutual differences.· But though they patched up their difference, they did not change; they were both strong-minded women.· Phil Coleman ... patched up his differences with Steve Dowman at Wivenhoe.· And the couple are now taking an early-break break from their civic duties to patch up their differences.
VERB· Colin and Dawn fell in love when Dawn tried to help them patch things up.· The bullpen is a hodgepodge the Phillies are trying to patch with castoffs from other teams.· Hospital staff sent him home to try to patch things up with his hot-tempered wife.· How long do we try to patch up a failing plan?· I've been trying to patch it up.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES
to repair a hole in something by putting a piece of something else over itpatch something ↔ together phrasal verb to make something quickly or carelessly from a number of different pieces or ideas: - A 15-minute purple patch in which they scored 19 points a 22-14 win Durham City.
- Ian and a friend bagged 90 cod in just two hours in one purple patch.
- It is neither a purple patch nor is it coincidence.
- Talk of his absence coinciding with our recent purple patch can't have helped.
- There are very few purple patches whereas the outdoor game - tactically - can be slow.
- Were they a coincidence or are you going through a purple patch at the moment?
A new plan was quickly patched together.patch something/somebody ↔ up phrasal verb1to end an argument because you want to stay friendly with someone: Try to patch up your differences before he leaves.patch it/things up (with somebody) He went back to patch things up with his wife.2to repair a hole in something by putting a piece of something else over it: We’ll have to patch up the hole in the roof.3to give quick and basic medical treatment to someone who is hurt: We patched up the wounded as best we could.